Farewell Bend State Recreation Area offers waterfront glamping close to Ontario, Oregon along the Snake River. Located at an elevation of 2,000 feet, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. The river level at this section of the Snake fluctuates seasonally due to the upstream Brownlee Dam, which affects water activities and fishing conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Water recreation access: At Snake River RV Resort, visitors can enjoy immediate river access for fishing. "When the weather warms up in the spring this is a great place to catch channel catfish in the shallows," notes Fishin' R., who added, "I caught 10 small mouth Bass, couple were keepers! There's plenty of catfish, trout and, if you get lucky, Salmon."
Hiking and biking: The Boise Riverside RV Park connects to an extensive trail network. "There is a greenbelt that runs from the campground all the way to Lucky Peak Reservoir, a distance of 19 miles," explains Mike H., making it ideal for cyclists and hikers wanting longer routes than those available at Farewell Bend.
Rock collecting: Succor Creek State Natural Area provides opportunities for rockhounds. As Laurie W. describes, the area is "great for star gazing and searching for thunder eggs." The canyon landscape offers unique geology not found at riverside glamping sites.
What campers like
River views and accessibility: Many glamping spots close to Ontario, Oregon feature direct water access. At Snake River RV Resort, the appeal is clear: "What a wonderful place to stay. Spent 9 delightful days sitting under the trees or out by the river," writes Lawrence P., adding that "the grounds are well kept and the grass is GREEN!"
Practical amenities: Caldwell Campground and RV Park maintains clean facilities valued by glampers. "The bathrooms and showers are excellent! Clean, secure. The lakeside location and walking trails are beautiful," reports Rachele B., highlighting amenities beyond basic campground offerings.
Natural exploration: The caves and terrain at Succor Creek draw visitors. Brad M. explains, "There are fun hikes along the creek and many caves to be explored. Perfect spot for camping with kids." This offers an alternative experience to riverside glamping accommodations.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Water access can change dramatically by season. "Only the Brownlee loop was open in mid-March. There were plenty of sites to choose from with great views of the river. The water was off at sites, but the sites and bathrooms were good," reports Kellie T. about Farewell Bend State Recreation Area.
Weather challenges: The area can experience extreme conditions. At Farewell Bend, Caitlyn R. warns about wind: "We had reserved a spot in C loop with a view of the water but it was so windy when we got there the site was not very comfortable... it was the windiest night I've ever experienced camping."
Pest considerations: Be prepared for insects in warmer months. Beth L. notes that Farewell Bend has "very many mosquitos, like swarms of them," despite the site being "very flat and easy to park our 23' camper."
Tips for camping with families
Explore local history: Beyond water activities, the area offers educational opportunities. Brad M. recommends Succor Creek because "there are fun hikes along the creek and many caves to be explored. Perfect spot for camping with kids," though he warns about "thistles and rattlesnakes."
Look for accessible recreation: Family-friendly glamping spots provide easy entertainment options. At Rivers Edge RV Park, Matt S. appreciates that "you can kayak from the camp area on the Snake River, and within just a couple miles, you officially kayaked to Oregon," creating a simple geographic adventure for children.
Consider site locations: At Farewell Bend, Caitlyn R. advises that "A and C loops are very open with no privacy. The B loop has some trees and bushes between the sites which makes it a little more inviting. The A loop is the closest to the road," helping families choose locations based on noise and privacy needs.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup functionality: Before settling in, verify all connections work properly. Dave S. at Boise Riverside RV Park found "the 30 amp outlet melted & broken and the 110 outlet blackened from spark damage," underscoring the importance of inspecting utilities before setup.
Site selection matters: RVers recommend checking specific loop characteristics. At Farewell Bend, Caitlyn R. explains, "We had reserved a spot in C loop with a view of the water but it was so windy when we got there the site was not very comfortable. The camp host graciously let us move up to B loop," demonstrating the importance of flexible planning.
Water conservation: Many glamping sites near Ontario have seasonal water restrictions. Kellie T. notes that at Farewell Bend "the water was off at sites" during mid-March visits, suggesting RVers should plan accordingly during shoulder seasons.
